Smith missed the past two games after starting the first seven. He unlikely to play again this season. Pruitt said previously that whether Smith returns to football some time in the future is up to Smith and his family.

Tennessee’s offensive line struggled against Charlotte. The Vols had a season-low 20 rushing yards and surrendered two sacks.

Tennessee made second-half lineup adjustments at the tackle spots against Charlotte, but the Vols project to start Tatum and Drew Richmond there again against No. 12 Kentucky on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network).

“I think (the line has) practiced the right way. We practiced the right way last week, too, but it didn’t show up on the game,” Pruitt said. “Lots of times when things don’t go your way, you’ve kind of got to regroup, and you’ve got to respond.”